Tigers, in my opinion, are some of the most beautiful and powerful animals in the world. Sadly, because of the Asian black part and illegal trade of tiger parts, they are becoming more and more rapidly endangered. Poachers kill them for their bones and organs. Only 4000-7000 remain today in Asia. And I feel privileged to spend two weeks a year at a zoo camp, to see tigers, as well s lions, jaguars, wolves, monkeys, foxes, raccoons, and other exotic and unique animals up-close. So, while no owning tiger myself, here is some info for those who want to wok with captive tigers, or, already work with these felines and want to do more for them.
Do tigers make good pets? A short answer, I compared to a domestic cat or dog is no. However, for the right experience, and knowledgably person, they can be good companions in captivity. Great thought and decisions should be made before the purchase of one. Keep in mind they can live for over twenty-five years, spray like crazy, and do have the ability to kill their “owners.” I myself don’t like to refer to tigers as pets, as they can never be. They are more captive opinions than pets. I’ve only ever heard of two cases where lions or tigers could live in a human household. And a garage or small backyard will not work to house one at adult size, which is about 300-800 pounds, sometimes 900 for a larger than average male Amur tiger! Tigers do cost a lot, thousands of dollars a year to feed, cage, entertain, and more. They shouldn’t be kept in a neighborhood, as neighbors will probably complain, or folks might set them free or stick their hand through the wire to touch the orange fur.
The first question to be asked is “Do I have the time, space, patience, money, and love for a tiger?” They aren’t like dogs, and no where near domestic. Also, state or province and city laws need to be fulfilled. Contact your city government and find out if a tiger is legal. An exotic vet should be seeked beforehand. If you have trouble locating one, contact a nearby zoo and see if their vet will help. A large cage a pool needs to be installed, for a tiger will leap out of a yard easily. And this animal must never be said as a pet. They are dangerous, and even the most tame tiger will become aggressive at the worst of times.
Caging- Chain link can be used. The pen should be at least 50’x50’ in perimeter or 1000’ in area, although ½ acre to several acres is more acceptable. It should be 12’ high with a top, for a determined tiger will jump out. If it is several acres big, it should be around twenty feet high with something electric at the top in case of an escape. A bottom is necessary, can be surrounded by cement and have chain link underground. There should be natural vegetation, trees, combing logs, scrubs, cat grass and catnip. Around the cage perimeter should be a security fence with a padlock to keep out the unwanted, as with the actual cage as well. For the tiger, there should be a lockout pen on the side, where the cat can be locked out to clean the cat or to inspect the cat up close. As tigers adore water, there should be a pool inside, it can be professionally made, or by using the largest of Rubbermaid storing boxes. If the Rubbermaid is used, use thick wire and attach it to the side to prevent tipping. If water filling is one outside cage, make sure it is not going through the chain link, as the tiger might grab it a play a mega game of tiger tug-of-war (we did this with an Amur tigress, and she broke the hose!) A hiding hole big enough for a tiger to curl up in should be made, and while some tigers enjoy rain, at least part of the cage should be cover to protect them from the elements.
Where to get a tiger from? They can be purchased at auctions, from overgrown zoos and sanctuaries. Photo cubs can be rescued. But if bought from a breeder, make sure you know the cub is healthy and use to humans. Only ship one if it is only possible option. Try taking it to a vet appointment right after purchase. On the first night home, prepare a bottle, but don’t force it on them the first night. Let them get a good sleep alone. Let them outdoors to do their business.
Bottle-feeding-Sometimes breeders get mixed up on tiger genders. To tell them apart if you are uncertain, look at a tiger’s rear. This should work if the tiger isn’t natured/ spayed. If there are two balls hanging, it’s a boy. If not, you baby’s a girl.
The cub should be bought at a young age to be on milk. KMR (Kitten Milk Replacement) mixed with plain yogurt and distilled water and vitamins in a 2oz animal baby bottle with a rounded nipple can be used. Blend it together in a blender, and then heat it up. Test the milk on your arm to see if it’s the right temperature. NEVER feed the cub on its back! Either have it sitting or standing on your lap or on a table. To tell how much the cub should be fed take the cubs weight in grams, and give it 5% of its weight it ml. Ex A 200g tiger cub gets 10ml. For the first few weeks, give it milk once every couple of hours. Give the cub less as it gets older. Make sure he/she’s not drinking to fast or too slow. Once their done, pop the nipple out of their mouth, and burp them by holding them with one hand. As the cub matures, add raw turkey to the mil. While it can be weaned at several months of age, I have hard of tigers taking the bottle well in years of age.
De-clawing- De-clawing is a personal choice. In my opinion is to make life or a tiger as natural as possible. It is natural for a tiger to run their caws through wood and rip open an animal carcass. As cubs, tiger paws should be handled early, and have large mechanical tools to clip their nails. Declawing should only be done by a professional vet. Defanging is not at all recommended.
1 or 2? - Should only one tiger or a pair be purchased? That is also personal choice. Tigers are in the wild solitary. If kept in same gender or even opposite gender pairs, they may often fight, whether playfully or in anger. But tigers can be raised with buddies. It is up to the caretaker to choose what is best for the tiger.
Feeding- While adults can still use the bottle, tigers all need meat. Ten pounds a day is fine most months, but several more are needed in the winter months. If they won’t accept plain meat, try coating with milk formula. Whole prey animals are suggested. Animals that can be used to feed are deer, cow and beef, chicken, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, horse, game bird, and others. Try to ask head hunters for unwanted meat, or those working in slaughterhouses for rejected cows and pigs. Bones, hair, organs should be left in unless the tiger is too young to butcher its own food. Hand feed them as cubs, let them lick the blood off your hands, letting them know you’re not a threat, and that your hand’s not food. Have a cement water bottle, should be changed twice a day. Rejected carcasses should be taken out of the cage as often as possible. Fast tigers once a week. On fasting days, give bones, especially from animal knuckles and necks.
